OSCE Talk

Osce Talk
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OSCE Talk is a podcast designed to help medical students feel more confident in clinical exams. Hosted by UK resident doctors, each episode focuses on one condition or station, breaking down what to ask, what to look for, and what matters in your OSCE. Fast, practical, and exam-focused. 🔗 Follow us: 🎙️ Spotify: OSCE Talk 🍏 Apple Podcasts: OSCE Talk Instagram: https://instagram.com/oscetalk_ TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@oscetalk_ YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@oscetalkpod

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    Neonatal Jaundice Made EASY | Red Flags You MUST Know for OSCEs

    Neonatal jaundice is one of the most common paediatric presentations you will encounter in both exams and clinical practice. While most cases are physiological and harmless, recognising the red flags is essential to avoid missing serious underlying pathology. In this episode of OSCE Talk, we break neonatal jaundice down into a clear, structured approach that you can apply in OSCEs and on the wards. We cover the key pathophysiology, including how bilirubin is produced and processed, and why unconjugated bilirubin can cross the blood–brain barrier and cause neurological injury. Understanding this is crucial when thinking about complications such as kernicterus. We then explain physiological jaundice, including its typical onset after 24 hours of life, peak around days 3 to 5, and resolution within the first one to two weeks. This helps you build a strong baseline before identifying what is abnormal. The most important part is recognising pathological jaundice. You should always be concerned if jaundice appears within the first 24 hours, persists beyond 14 days, or is associated with pale stools and dark urine. These features suggest serious conditions such as haemolysis, sepsis, or biliary atresia. A baby who is lethargic, feeding poorly, or clinically unwell should always raise suspicion. We also go through investigations in a practical way, including when to use transcutaneous bilirubin measurements and when serum bilirubin is required. Differentiating between conjugated and unconjugated bilirubin is key to guiding diagnosis and management. Other important tests include blood group compatibility, Coombs testing, and infection screening where appropriate. From an OSCE perspective, we outline how to structure your history and examination. This includes focusing on timing, feeding, stool and urine colour, and red flag symptoms, as well as performing a targeted examination for hydration, neurological status, and abdominal findings. Finally, we cover management, including the use of NICE treatment threshold charts, phototherapy as first-line treatment, and when escalation to exchange transfusion is required. This is a high-yield topic that frequently appears in OSCEs and written exams. Mastering neonatal jaundice will not only help you perform well in assessments but also ensure safe clinical practice.

    11 min

  2. 6 DAYS AGO

    Obstetric Haemorrhage History Taking | OSCE Talk🎙️

    This episode focusses on obstetic history taking and haemorrhage. Looking at the differentials of antepartum haemorrhage to be aware of including: placental abruption, placenta previa/vasa previa. Other causes of haemorrhage in the perinatal period including miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy. We look at how best to approach management of these in an exam scenario, including the need for adequate examination, resuscitation and key investigations including bloods, ultrasound and CTG monitoring. We finish this episode with a quick example history. 🎧 Listen & Follow:🎙️ Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/01yz38z...🍎 Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...▶️ YouTube → / @oscetalkpod 📸 Instagram → / oscetalk_ 🎵 TikTok → / oscetalk_

    12 min

  3. 11 MAR

    Schizophrenia OSCE: First Rank Symptoms Explained (Psychiatry History Guide)

    In this episode of OSCE Talk, we cover schizophrenia and Schneider’s First Rank Symptoms, one of the most important concepts for psychiatry OSCEs and medical exams. Schizophrenia rarely begins suddenly. Many patients experience a prodromal phase first, where family members may notice social withdrawal, reduced motivation, changes in behaviour, sleep disturbance and declining daily functioning. Over time this can progress into psychosis, where patients may develop hallucinations, delusions and disturbances in thought. In this episode we break down Schneider’s First Rank Symptoms of schizophrenia, explaining what they are, how they present clinically, and how to explore them safely during a psychiatric history. We also discuss the positive, negative and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia and how they affect patients’ ability to function day-to-day. • Auditory hallucinations (voices commenting or discussing the patient)• Command hallucinations• Thought insertion• Thought withdrawal• Thought broadcasting• Passivity phenomena (external control of thoughts, actions or emotions)• Delusional perception Symptoms added to normal experience:• Hallucinations• Delusions• Thought disorder• Disorganised behaviour Loss of normal functioning:• Reduced motivation (avolition)• Social withdrawal• Reduced speech (alogia)• Flattened emotional expression• Reduced engagement with daily activities • Impaired working memory• Reduced concentration• Executive dysfunction• Difficulty with organisation and decision-making When assessing a patient with schizophrenia or psychosis it is essential to evaluate: • Risk to self (including suicidal thoughts)• Risk to others• Command hallucinations• Vulnerability and exploitation• Self-neglect• Ability to function independently Collateral history from family or carers can often be essential because patients may lack insight into their symptoms. Psychotic symptoms can also occur in: • Bipolar disorder (mania)• Psychotic depression• Delirium• Drug-induced psychosis• Alcohol withdrawal• Neurological or organic brain disease Organic causes should always be considered and may require investigations such as CT brain, MRI brain or EEG. Management of schizophrenia often involves: • Antipsychotic medications (e.g. olanzapine, risperidone, clozapine)• Psychological therapies• Community mental health team follow-up• Inpatient psychiatric care if risk is high In OSCE stations, it is important to explain schizophrenia in simple terms: Schizophrenia affects how the brain processes information and filters thoughts and perceptions. This can lead to hearing voices, developing strong beliefs that don’t match reality, or finding it difficult to organise thoughts. Treatments are available that help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. 🎧 Listen on:Apple PodcastsSpotifyYouTube Follow OSCE Talk for practical OSCE teaching, psychiatry revision and clinical explanations for medical students. 📚 Key Topics CoveredFirst Rank Symptoms of SchizophreniaPositive SymptomsNegative SymptomsCognitive Symptoms⚠️ Risk Assessment in Psychosis🧠 Differential Diagnoses for Psychosis💊 Management Overview🗣 Explaining Schizophrenia to Patients

    10 min

  4. 26 FEB

    Assessing Self-Harm & Overdose in Clinical Practice

    In this episode, we discuss how to approach suicide risk assessment and overdose history taking in a structured, sensitive and clinically safe way. This episode is intended for medical students and healthcare professionals learning how to assess risk and conduct these conversations appropriately in OSCE exams and clinical practice. We cover: • How to structure an overdose history (before, during, after)• Exploring intent, planning and impulsivity• Assessing mood, hopelessness and protective factors• Psychotic symptoms and suicide risk• Social stressors and forensic history• Substance use in context• Physical symptoms following overdose• Risk factors vs protective factors• How to stratify risk safely• A full example OSCE-style patient scenario This is an educational discussion designed to support safe clinical practice. If you are personally struggling with thoughts of self-harm or suicide, please seek professional support or contact local emergency services.

    17 min

  5. 22 FEB

    Clozapine: The Gold Standard for Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia

    In this episode, we break down clozapine — the gold standard treatment for treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Clozapine is one of the most effective antipsychotics available, but it requires careful monitoring and patient education due to its unique side-effect profile. We cover: • What defines treatment-resistant schizophrenia• Why clozapine is used• Mechanism of action (high-yield overview)• Smoking interactions and compliance issues• Slow titration and 48-hour restart rule• Agranulocytosis and blood monitoring schedule• Myocarditis risk• Seizure risk• Severe constipation (often underestimated)• Metabolic side effects• Clozapine and suicide risk reduction• How to counsel a patient in an OSCE We also discuss key red flags — including infection symptoms that require urgent assessment. This episode is ideal for: Medical students OSCE preparation Psychiatry placements Foundation doctors GP and acute care rotations Clozapine is powerful — but only safe when monitored properly.

    7 min

  6. 22 FEB

    Don’t Miss These Obstetric Red Flags! History Taking for Exams & Practice

    In this episode, we break down how to take a safe, structured obstetric history. Obstetric histories can feel overwhelming — you’re assessing both the mother and the baby, while also screening for potentially life-threatening complications. This episode gives you a clear structure to stay safe in exams and clinical practice. We cover: • How to structure the presenting complaint• Characterising bleeding, pain and discharge• Reduced fetal movements• Head-to-toe maternal screening• Current pregnancy history (scans, screening, complications)• Past obstetric history• Medical and medication history in pregnancy• Vaccines and supplements (folic acid)• Social history and safeguarding• Key red flags (pre-eclampsia, abruption, PE, DVT, sepsis)• When to escalate urgently This episode is ideal for: Medical students OSCE preparation Obstetrics & gynaecology placements GP and emergency medicine rotations Foundation doctors A clear structure keeps you safe — both in exams and in real clinical settings.

    10 min

  7. 21 FEB

    Lithium Counselling Made Clear! OSCE Structure, Monitoring & Toxicity Explained

    In this episode, we break down lithium — how it works, when it’s used, how to monitor it safely, and how to counsel a patient in an OSCE station. Lithium is one of the most effective long-term treatments for bipolar disorder and significantly reduces suicide risk — but it requires careful monitoring and patient education. We cover: • Indications for lithium (bipolar disorder & treatment-resistant depression)• How lithium stabilises mood• Therapeutic range and toxicity levels• Baseline investigations (U&Es, TFTs, calcium, ECG)• Ongoing monitoring schedule• 12-hour lithium level timing• Common side effects• Lithium toxicity signs and triggers• Drug interactions (NSAIDs, ACE inhibitors, diuretics)• Pregnancy risks and counselling• OSCE counselling structure This episode is ideal for: Medical students OSCE preparation Psychiatry placements Foundation doctors GP rotations Lithium is powerful — but only safe when monitored correctly. This episode helps you understand both the science and the counselling.

    7 min

  8. 21 FEB

    Eating Disorder History Taking Made Clear! OSCE Structure, Red Flags & Refeeding Syndrome

    In this episode, we break down how to take a safe, structured history from a patient with a suspected eating disorder. This is a high-yield OSCE station and a clinically important skill — anorexia nervosa has the highest mortality of any psychiatric illness, often due to cardiac complications, electrolyte disturbances and suicide. We cover: • How to sensitively approach eating disorder histories • Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder • Weight history and body image assessment • Restriction, bingeing and compensatory behaviours • Physical symptoms and red flags • Suicide and risk assessment • The SCOFF mnemonic • When admission is required • Baseline investigations • Refeeding syndrome explained clearly This episode focuses on safe clinical practice, structured assessment and recognising when a patient requires urgent medical admission. Ideal for: Medical students OSCE preparation Psychiatry placements GP and emergency medicine rotations Foundation doctors If this topic is sensitive for you, please seek appropriate support.

    12 min
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About

OSCE Talk is a podcast designed to help medical students feel more confident in clinical exams. Hosted by UK resident doctors, each episode focuses on one condition or station, breaking down what to ask, what to look for, and what matters in your OSCE. Fast, practical, and exam-focused. 🔗 Follow us: 🎙️ Spotify: OSCE Talk 🍏 Apple Podcasts: OSCE Talk Instagram: https://instagram.com/oscetalk_ TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@oscetalk_ YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@oscetalkpod

Information

  • Creator
    Osce Talk
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    47
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Osce Talk
  • Show Website
    OSCE Talk

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